OK. Some guidelines for communicating and then some...
1. You never know the complete picture
I think it was Steve Covey who told the story of traveling on the NY subway and a man got on with two small boys. He sits down but the two boys immediately start running up and down the carriage playing chase, screaming and shouting and banging into passengers. After several minutes of this Covey has enough and asks the man to control his children. The man looks up and says, 'I just don't know what to do with them. We have come from the hospital where their mother has just died.' A perfect illustration that we can get annoyed and defensive with someone and we don't have the full picture.
So then, how does that apply within a church or work setting?
Rule 1: NEVER reply to an email angry. You don't have the full picture. In fact I would encourage everyone to never communicate if you're upset. Wait until you have calmed down or, if you must speak to them, do it on the phone or face to face.
Rule 2: Ask you team for info, someone will most probably know more than you do.
Rule 3: Before you switch your computer on at the beginning of the day (to check emails) decide first what are the key goals you want to achieve that day. As soon as you start reading emails you enter reactive mode, you are responding to other people's requests and agendas. Start the day proactively, 'What do I want to initiate today?'
Rule 4: Pray before you make a phone call and pray before you answer the phone. God cares about the details of your life and PRAYER MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Difficult meeting coming up at work or with a family member? PRAY!
Rule 5: Good Email Protocol: If an email has been sent directly to you, consider that a conversation has started between you and the sender. Reply as soon as you can. Even if you don't know the answer or if you haven't time to respond fully, send a reply thanking the person for their email and letting them know you will get back to them shortly. It really makes a difference!
